PHOTO: Tick Tock: Landlords Racing Against Time to Meet Healthy Homes Deadline. FILE.
A hard deadline is fast approaching for New Zealand landlords: by 1 July 2025, all private rental properties must fully comply with the Healthy Homes Standards—no more extensions, no more grace periods.
Landlords who fail to meet the requirements face fines of up to $7,200 per property, and tenants have the legal right to take them to the Tenancy Tribunal.
What Are the Healthy Homes Standards?
The standards aim to improve living conditions for renters by setting minimum requirements across five key areas:
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Heating: A fixed heater capable of warming the main living room to 18°C.
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Insulation: Ceiling and underfloor insulation (where reasonably practical).
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Ventilation: Working extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms; openable windows in key rooms.
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Moisture and Drainage: Effective drainage and ground moisture barriers.
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Draught Stopping: Sealing all unnecessary gaps and holes.
Who Must Comply—and When?
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From 1 July 2021: New or renewed tenancies had to comply within 90 days.
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From 28 August 2022: Tenancies had to comply within 120 days.
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By 1 July 2025: All private rentals must be fully compliant, regardless of tenancy status.
This is the final deadline. There will be no further delays or exceptions.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Non-compliant landlords are in breach of the Residential Tenancies Act and may face:
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Fines of up to $7,200 per property
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Orders from the Tenancy Tribunal
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Compensation claims from tenants
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Damage to their reputation and rental business
What Should Landlords Be Doing Now?
✔ Audit Your Property: Check each standard—don’t assume you’re compliant.
✔ Book Contractors Early: Avoid last-minute tradesperson shortages.
✔ Keep Proof: Save invoices, reports, and photos for your records.
✔ Update Tenancy Agreements: Include compliance statements in all new and renewed agreements.
Why It Matters
The Healthy Homes initiative is about protecting tenant wellbeing, reducing hospital admissions from cold, damp housing, and improving long-term outcomes for families across the country. But for landlords, the clock is almost out.
⚠️ KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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The Healthy Homes deadline is 1 July 2025—no exceptions.
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Landlords who miss it face penalties up to $7,200 per property.
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You must meet standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture, and draught stopping.
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Act immediately to avoid delays, legal issues, and unhappy tenants.
Are your properties ready? The window for preparation is closing fast. Landlords who wait any longer could find themselves in hot water—and their tenants left out in the col